Court stops EFCC from arresting ex-governor over N10bn embezzlement

dimeji akinloye

July 3, 2015 12:36 AM

Kwankwaso had, through his counsel, sought for a court order to restrain the anti-graft agency from arresting him over a petition alleging that he misappropriated over N10 billion pension funds.

Former Kano state governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

A Kano High Court on Thursday, July 2, restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) from arresting the immediate past governor of the state, Alhaji Rabi’u Kwankwaso.

In his ruling, the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Yahaya ordered the applicant and the respondents to maintain status quo, pending the determination of an exparte motion on notice.

Kwankwaso’s counsel, Okechukwu Eze, alleged that the EFCC had prevented the former governor from performing his legislative duties through threats of his arrest.

“My client has been in his house over the threat of arrest by the EFCC and has been denied the liberty to perform his legislative duties as mandated by voters of Kano Central Senatorial District.

“We express fear that Kwankwaso’s right to liberty, freedom of movement as guaranteed under the constitution is likely to be violated by EFCC,” he said.

He argued that the former governor has not infringed on the pension laws to warrant the efforts by EFCC to arrest him.

The court further ruled that hearing on notice be served on EFCC through courier service.

The judge adjourned the matter to July 15, for hearing on the substantive motion on notice, for the parties to announce their appearances.

dimeji akinloye